Markell addresses Milford business owners to discuss future growth

Gov. Jack Markell addressed members of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford on Wednesday to discuss future job growth, education, health care and business within Milford and across the state.

Comment

By Maddy Lauriamaddy.lauria@doverpost.com@Milford_Maddy

Milford Beacon

By Maddy Lauriamaddy.lauria@doverpost.com@Milford_Maddy

Posted Jan. 15, 2014 at 6:27 PM

By Maddy Lauriamaddy.lauria@doverpost.com@Milford_Maddy

Posted Jan. 15, 2014 at 6:27 PM

Milford, Del.

Gov. Jack Markell addressed members of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford on Wednesday to discuss future job growth, education, health care and business within Milford and across the state.

“To see the kind of business growth that is taking place, we know that things are not nearly back to where any of us would like them to be, but I think the path is a good one,” Markell said to chamber members at the Rookery North on Wednesday.

Markell pointed to a few businesses, including Baltimore Air Coil and Dentsply, which he visited on Friday, as pioneers in job growth and examples of larger companies finding Milford to be an attractive city for business growth.

“But I also like, not just like, I really admire, what’s been going on in Milford the last few years in terms of some of the investments and quality of life,” Markell said. “Certainly some of the work that has been going on in terms of the arts and the galleries and art studios that have been put in is very exciting and those are the kind of investments that are going to make a huge difference.”

However, Markell acknowledged the need for qualified employees as an issue not only in Delaware, but across the country, as well. He said that from high tech jobs to auto mechanics, there is a need for potential workers to have a clear understanding of what the career ladder looks like for each industry, as well as the credentials and skills needed.

CCGM Executive Director Jo Schmeiser agreed that there is a need within Milford for qualified employees.

“I know many employers in Milford say it’s hard to find qualified employees,” she said. Schmeiser said she hopes the recently developed relationship between the chamber and Delaware Technical Community College, as well as the Milford School District, will allow for businesses to partner in educating local students on how to be prepared for the workforce.

“Even if they go to college elsewhere, we want them to come back to Delaware to work and live,” she said. “Milford is a great community.”